Contract Development Manager

Job Description

Your new role Contract Development ManagerTo contribute to the development and delivery of the business contract strategy through the provision of specialist advice and the development of model contracts. To ensure that procurement drives innovation, adopts the outcome of lessons learnt to deliverbest practice and that contract documents are compliant with government legislation, internal governance and are in line with wider National Highways strategic needs. To develop, maintain model contract documents and manage existing models with regular updatesin line with policy, legislation and strategic changes. Develop, communicate and implement best practice tools, procedures and processes. To contribute to the provision of training, guidance and advice to support business partner and corporate requirements- with the objective of improving commercial and contract management. To provide assurance of contract documents dependent on complexity of project.What youll be doing

• Manage internal matrix teams, external contractors and Procurement specialists for the development, production and management of suites of model contract documents for National Highways that reflect business needs.
• Contribute to providing specialist advice and guidance for staff and key stakeholders on the legal and policy framework for public sector procurement and to support best practice in policy and processes that implement government policy and UK, English legislationand EU legislation.
• Actively build relationships, collaborate with and manage a wide range of stakeholders at all levels from within National Highways.
• Manage external legal and technical advisors as required.
• To be the focal point for the business for providing procurement and contract technical advice and governance through:
  • the development, communication and implementation of best practice tools, procedures and processes needed to deliver best value;
  • the provision of necessary contract training and guidance for business areas; and
• Lead, advise and be responsible for developing and drafting contracts as well as providing procurement advice to meet the operational needs of National Highways.
• Contribute to the assurance of the final tender documents, and ensure the contract documents are compliant with NEC, internal governance, and wider Government legislation.
• Assess safety performance to minimize risks, develop improvements and escalate issues with relevant authorities in a timely manner and carry out any tasks identified to the post in the Level 2 and relevant 2a Organisational Health & Safety RACI charts.

To be successful

• Knowledge of public procurement law and contract law, including Public Contract Regulations 2006/2015 and associated EU Directives for open and restricted procedures, with an understanding of other procedures.
• A track record of contract development work (with knowledge of a range of contract types including all forms of NEC, and their application to business need) and/ or leading major procurements (inviting/ selecting tenders, managing contracts) and/ or supplierselection.
• A proven track record in working successfully in effective collaborative working partnerships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and customers.
• A proven record in making a significant contribution towards developing and improving a procurement function.
• Understanding of the aims of National Highways and the implications of actions and decisions.
• Demonstrable experience in managing and working within matrix teams.
• Proven ability to successfully manage external advisers.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at a range of levels.
• Contribute to contract drafting. Functional / Technical Skills

• Should hold or be willing to work towards the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualification or Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Our benefits package

• Our total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonus, and employer pension contributions of up to 10%.
• Annual Leave starting at 26 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 31 days (plus Bank Holidays)
• Flexible hours and blended working between base location/home
• Life assurance of 4 times annual salary
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7 365 days and network of mental health first aiders. Plus, access to a wellbeing app to enhance your self-care 24/7, Occupational health service and flu vaccines
• A cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travel
• Significant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on job experience

And we are:

• Family friendly with enhanced maternity leave and pay, paternity leave (15 days), shared parental leave, adoption leave. Plus access to financial support for holiday play schemes and paid special leave (up to 5 days pa), eg for caring responsibilities
• Money friendly with access to a discounts platform including over 3000 discounts for supermarkets, eating out, leisure, holidays. Alongside a financial wellbeing programme
• Community friendly - offering paid leave to volunteer, 3 days basic/year plus an extra 3 days to support the national Covid effort